March 28, 2018

You’ve told them once, you’ve told them twice—but they still don’t brush their teeth before bed! Getting your child to follow dental hygiene rules can be difficult. Most kids just don’t like to brush their teeth. Thankfully, dentists are here to help them realize how important it is to take care of their pearly whites now, before their oral health starts declining.

But if you don’t have a consistent dental practice, it can be difficult to choose the perfect children’s dentist in Rocky River. Learn how to pick a dentist for your little one that will make them feel comfortable and boost their oral health in this week’s blog post.

What will your child need in a dentist?

It’s easy to think of what you might need in a dentist, but your little one may have other expectations of their dental practice. Their comfort should always come first. This will help your child relax when it comes to their dental care and feel open enough to talk about dentistry with their oral health team. There are other things that can make for positive dental experiences as well, but ask yourself these quick questions before just choosing any children’s dentist for your little one’s smile.

What are the dentist’s credentials?

As a parent, you only want the best for your children. You can tell how qualified your dentist is by evaluating their educational background and hands on experience by reading their doctor bio. When picking a practice, go one step further and see if the dentist is specialized in pediatric care. Dentists who have been trained in pediatric dentistry can help with children-specific oral problems more thoroughly than someone in general dentistry.

Are there patient amenities?

Every office typically has amenities that can help new patients or people with dental anxiety to relax—but they typically cater to adults. However, if a practice is used to working with children, they might have toys that will make them forget that they are even in a dental office! Sometimes, they might even have prizes for little patients that are very cooperative about their dental visit. The office may not have this information listed on their website, so it’s best to give a call to the office and ask them directly!

What services are offered?

Depending on the age of your child, you might need a variety of services to choose from. If you have a toddler that loves sweet snacks, you might need to find an office that offers excellent preventive care, including dental sealants. However, if your child is approaching teenage years, you might want to start thinking about orthodontic treatments and if they are offered under the same roof.

If you ever have questions concerning dental care, services, or even patient comforts, you should feel comfortable calling the practice to ask them about it. Learn about your potential practice today!